iMac phantom power! It comes on by itself.

iMac 2019, just upgraded from Big Sur to Sonoma. I usually shut down the iMac after use, and turn the power (wall socket) off. Next day, when I switch the power on, the iMac comes on by itself without me having to press the power button at the back of the iMac. I haven't used the power button behind the iMac for about a year now, it just comes on by itself, triggered by the mains power. I have contacted Apple support, they think it's a software problem, and suggested an upgrade from Big Sur to Sonoma... have done that, the problem persists with Sonoma. I have checked Energy Saver > Start up automatically on power failure... it's off (and have switched in on and off again too), no luck.


What on earth! ('scuse the pun!). Have seen a few similar threads, but there's no 'reply' option, so I can't converse, so have started again here. I might be wrong, but the issue seems to be with the 2019 iMac... maybe a fault in this particular range? Then again, this wasn't a problem when I bought it... seems to have been a problem since Big Sur(??). Weird!


Software or hardware? Has anybody got an idea before I take it to the Apple doctor?

Posted on Jan 10, 2024 2:27 PM

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12 replies

Jan 10, 2024 2:46 PM in response to Sbensh

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and toggle the power up automatically off and on to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test to see if it takes.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Jan 10, 2024 2:28 PM in response to Sbensh

Well you have done some good troubleshooting, please do the following and we can look for obvious software issues.


It will help us get a good idea of what is causing your problem if you provide a report of your system, that way we do not have to play 20 questions with you. The report we are requesting does NOT provide any personal information and is extremely safe to use. Please navigate to www.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.


When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again. 


For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community It is helpful to us if you download the report to your Desktop.



Jan 10, 2024 5:21 PM in response to Sbensh

It downloads to your downloads folder. If you have not relocated the downloads folder which is located in your user folder. Double Click your user folder and you should see a Download folder, Double Click the Downloads folder and you should see the installer for EtreCheck, Double Click that and it should install.


If you cannot get it to download that means something is VERY wrong with your system and you will either need to take it in for service or you can start by calling AppleCare and maybe they can start diagnosing over the phone. If you have never called AppleCare, please locate the phone number for your country by clicking AppleCare Contact Info


BTW, do you have any of the following third party apps installed on your Mac?


·      Antivirus Apps

·      Cleaning Apps

·      Security Apps

·      VPN Apps

·      Maintenance Apps

Jan 10, 2024 3:22 PM in response to Old Toad

Sometimes I move the iMac, sometimes I put the building mains power off when away, it's random. But what difference would that make anyway?


I've never had this problem with any other computers... just this one.


Still not able to download Etrecheck...


It's bed time here... so I'll leave it for now. Thanks for the help, appreciated. More suggestions welcome.

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iMac phantom power! It comes on by itself.

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